Scientific Expedition to the Gulf of California
Itinerary and Highlights:
(May 1) Day 1 and 2
Day 1
Our drivers will pick you up at the Cabo (SJD) or La Paz (LAP) Airport. From Cabo a beautiful 2.5 hour drive to La Paz where you will check into the hotel.
Enjoy an evening “Welcome to the Baja” dinner offered by the Panterra and UABCS (Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur) scientific team.
Day 2
orientation & briefing meeting / provisioning & preparations for the expedition base camp.
Day 3 – 7 - Base Camp, Isla San José
4 nights/5 days
Depart for Isla San José, the first component of the field station.
While at the camp we will be engaged in earth science studies to include; geology archaeology, and ecology.
Day 7 – 11
Transfer to the liveaboard, the second component of the field station.
Liveaboard Cruising, MV Adventure – 4 nights/5 days
During our time onboard the ship we will be engaged in distant exploration to include: oceanography, marine mammal observations and visits to remote communities to discuss concerns in the changing environment.
Day 11 – 14 (May 14)
Hotel Catedral – 3 nights
Disembark on the morning of Day 11
afternoon debriefing
Day 12
student presentations
Day 13
free day
Day 14
expedition concludes, our drivers will drop off at the Cabo or La Paz airport for your return flight home.
Activities Include:
Base Camp, Isla San José:
- exploring unique geological sites
- documenting archaeological site(s) *
- ecological sciences
- exploring the relationship of desert flora and fauna to the physical and biological desert environment.
- astronomy – exploring the night sky through the lens of a telescope. Observe the Eta Aquariids
Liveaboard Cruising, MV Adventure:
- exploring the diversity of a marine ecosystem
- marine conservation project(s)
- ornithology – research migration routes, habitat needs; monitor and assess the status of a particular population, capture and band birds to track their movements
- tracking and identifying marine mammals (whales and dolphins).
Additional Activities:
** Dependent on weather conditions, government regulations, conservationist’s availability and timing of expedition activities.
- hiking
- swimming / snorkeling
- kayaking
- nightlight
- plankton studies
- cultural interactions with remote communities.
- rare wildlife encounters
- students will work together in teams on specific projects within the expedition that will be presented on day 12 of the trip.
** Dependent on weather conditions, government regulations, conservationist’s availability and timing of expedition activities.